Class 12 Physics Electromagnetic Induction Notes for IIT JEE & NEET

eSaral Academic and Editorial Team
Summary
These class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes from eSaral explain magnetic flux, Faraday’s law, Lenz’s law, motional EMF, induced charge, self and mutual inductance, energy stored in an inductor and eddy currents, with all key formulas and worked examples for CBSE, JEE and NEET.

Electromagnetic induction is the process by which a changing magnetic flux produces an EMF in a circuit. These class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes cover the full NCERT chapter and the numerical-based topics asked in JEE and NEET. Read the concepts and formulas below, then use the handwritten pages to practise.
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What Is Electromagnetic Induction?
Electromagnetic induction is the phenomenon of generating an EMF (and a current in a closed circuit) when the magnetic flux linked with the circuit changes. Michael Faraday demonstrated it experimentally in 1831. It is the principle behind generators, transformers and induction motors.
Why Does EMI Happen?
A current is induced whenever the magnetic flux linked with a closed circuit changes with time. The change can arise because:
- The magnitude of the magnetic field B changes.
- The area of the loop changes (e.g., a sliding rod on rails).
- The angle between B and the area vector changes (e.g., a rotating coil).
Key Terms to Know Before You Begin
Term | Symbol | Unit |
|---|---|---|
Magnetic Flux | Φ | Weber (Wb) |
Induced EMF | ε | Volt (V) |
Self-Inductance | L | Henry (H) |
Mutual Inductance | M | Henry (H) |
Rate of change of flux | dΦ/dt | Wb/s = V |
Magnetic Flux: Definition and Formula
Magnetic flux through a surface measures the magnetic field lines passing through it.
$$\Phi = \vec{B}\cdot\vec{A} = BA\cos\theta$$
Here $B$ is the magnetic field (T), $A$ is the area (m²) and $\theta$ is the angle between $\vec{B}$ and the normal to the surface. The flux is maximum, $BA$, at $\theta = 0^\circ$, zero at $\theta = 90^\circ$ and $-BA$ at $\theta = 180^\circ$.
The SI unit is the weber, where 1 Wb = 1 T m² = 1 V s. In CGS, 1 Wb = $10^{8}$ maxwell. The dimensional formula is $[ML^2T^{-2}A^{-1}]$.
Draw the area vector first and then find its angle with the field. This avoids most sign errors in induced EMF problems.
Faraday's Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
What does Faraday's First Law state?
Faraday's First Law states that whenever the magnetic flux linked with a circuit changes, an EMF is induced in the circuit. The induced EMF exists only as long as the flux is changing — it disappears the moment flux becomes constant.
What does Faraday's Second Law state?
The magnitude of the induced EMF equals the rate of change of flux. For a coil of $N$ turns:
$$\varepsilon = -N\dfrac{d\Phi}{dt}$$
The negative sign comes from Lenz’s law. To find the EMF, write the flux at time $t$, differentiate it with respect to $t$, multiply by $-N$, and use Lenz’s law for the direction.
Faraday’s law is the core of class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes, so practise the example below until the steps are routine.
Example: a coil of 100 turns and area $0.02\ \text{m}^2$ is perpendicular to a field that falls from 0.5 T to zero in 0.1 s. Then $|\varepsilon| = N\dfrac{A\,\Delta B}{\Delta t} = 100 \times \dfrac{0.02 \times 0.5}{0.1} = 10\ \text{V}$.
Lenz's Law and Conservation of Energy
In class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes, Lenz’s law states that the induced current flows in a direction that opposes the change in flux that produces it. This is the reason for the negative sign in $\varepsilon = -N\dfrac{d\Phi}{dt}$.
How Is Lenz's Law a Consequence of Energy Conservation?
If the induced current aided the change in flux instead of opposing it, the current would increase the flux, which would further increase the current, creating energy from nothing. This violates the law of conservation of energy. Lenz's law ensures that mechanical work must be done against the opposing magnetic force to sustain the induced current.
Lenz's Law Quick Reference
Situation | Change in Flux | Direction of Induced Current |
|---|---|---|
Magnet approaching loop (N-pole first) | Increasing | Opposes approach (repels magnet) |
Magnet moving away from loop (N-pole) | Decreasing | Supports magnet (attracts it back) |
Current in nearby coil increasing | Increasing | Opposes increase |
Current in nearby coil decreasing | Decreasing | Opposes decrease |
What Is Motional EMF and How Is It Calculated?
Motional EMF is the EMF induced when a conductor moves through a magnetic field. If a rod of length l moves with velocity v perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field B, the free electrons in the rod experience a Lorentz force, creating a potential difference.
Formula:
$$\varepsilon = Blv$$
For a rod making angle θ with the direction of motion:
$$\varepsilon = Blv\sin\theta$$
Motional EMF in a Rotating Rod
For a rod of length l rotating about one end with angular velocity ω in a field B perpendicular to the plane of rotation:
$$\varepsilon = \frac{1}{2}B\omega l^2$$
Power Dissipated in the Circuit
If the rod slides on rails with resistance R:
$$I = \frac{Blv}{R}, \quad P = \frac{B^2l^2v^2}{R}$$
This power equals the rate of work done by the external force maintaining the velocity — again confirming energy conservation.
Motional EMF problems in JEE Advanced frequently combine the sliding rod with a changing external circuit resistance. Always redraw the circuit at each stage and treat the rod as a battery of EMF = Blv with internal resistance = rod's resistance. This model solves 90% of such problems cleanly.
Self-Induction and Mutual Induction
What Is Self-Inductance?
When the current in a coil changes, it changes the magnetic flux through the coil itself, inducing a back-EMF. This property is called self-induction.
$$\varepsilon = -L\frac{dI}{dt}$$
L is the self-inductance (measured in Henry, H). For a solenoid of n turns per unit length, cross-sectional area A, and length l:
$$L = \mu_0 n^2 Al = \frac{\mu_0 N^2 A}{l}$$
Energy stored in an inductor:
$$U = \frac{1}{2}LI^2$$
What Is Mutual Inductance?
When two coils are placed near each other, a changing current in one (primary) coil induces an EMF in the other (secondary) coil. This is mutual induction.
$$\varepsilon_2 = -M\frac{dI_1}{dt}$$
M is the mutual inductance between the two coils. For two coaxial solenoids:
$$M = \mu_0 n_1 n_2 A l$$
Relationship Between M and L
For two coupled coils with self-inductances L₁ and L₂ and coupling coefficient k:
$$M = k\sqrt{L_1 L_2}, \quad 0 \leq k \leq 1$$
Property | Self-Inductance (L) | Mutual Inductance (M) |
|---|---|---|
Cause | Change of own current | Change of current in the nearby coil |
Formula (solenoid) | μ₀N²A/l | μ₀n₁n₂Al |
Unit | Henry (H) | Henry (H) |
Energy stored | ½LI² | — |
Eddy Currents — Causes and Applications
When a bulk conductor is placed in a changing magnetic field, currents are induced in the body of the conductor itself — not just along a defined path. These circulating currents are called eddy currents (or Foucault currents).
Causes of Eddy Currents
Eddy currents arise due to the same principle as Faraday's law — changing flux through the conductor body. Their magnitude depends on the rate of change of flux and the resistivity of the material.
Applications of Eddy Currents
- Magnetic braking in trains and roller coasters (contactless, smooth braking)
- Induction heating in industrial furnaces and induction cooktops
- Speedometers in vehicles (Weston eddy current type)
- Energy meters (electricity consumption measurement)
How Are Eddy Currents Minimised?
Eddy currents cause energy loss as heat. To minimise them, transformer cores and motor armatures are made of thin laminated sheets insulated from each other, reducing the effective area and hence the magnitude of eddy currents.
Topic-Wise Exam Weightage Table
Sub-Topic | JEE Main (Expected Marks) | NEET (Questions) | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
Faraday's Law & Lenz's Law | 4 marks | 1 MCQ | Conceptual + numerical |
Motional EMF | 4 marks | 1 MCQ | Numerical |
Self-Inductance | 4 marks | 0–1 MCQ | Formula-based |
Mutual Inductance | 4 marks | 0–1 MCQ | Formula-based |
Eddy Currents | 0–4 marks | 0–1 MCQ | Conceptual |
Energy in Inductor | 0–4 marks | 1 MCQ | Numerical |
Based on NTA JEE Main question paper analysis and NEET official question papers. Always verify the latest syllabus at ntaexam.com.
How to Revise Class 12 Physics Electromagnetic Induction Notes
- Write all the formulas of this chapter on one page and revise it before every test.
- Always find the sign and direction with Lenz’s law after finding the magnitude.
- Solve the exercises and compare your steps with the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics, especially Chapter 6.
- For the Lorentz force and magnetic field concepts used here, revise with the NCERT Books Class 12 and the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics.
Electromagnetic Induction Notes
The pages below are handwritten class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes. Use them along with the formulas above for quick revision.

India's Best Exam Preparation for Class 12th - Download Now








India's Best Exam Preparation for Class 12th - Download Now






India's Best Exam Preparation for Class 12th - Download Now






India's Best Exam Preparation for Class 12th - Download Now







India's Best Exam Preparation for Class 12th - Download Now

India's Best Exam Preparation for Class 12th - Download Now
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About Saransh Gupta Sir Computer Science Graduate from IIT Bombay. Cracked IIT-JEE with AIR-41 and AIEEE (JM) with AIR-71 in 2006. He is an author of JEE Mentorship Book “StrateJEE”. He taught Physics for 5 years at Allen and was loved immensely by all the students. Many of his students bagged success with flying colours in JEE & NEET Exams.
eSaral brings you detailed Class 11th Physics study material. eSaral provides a series of detailed chapter wise notes for all the Subjects of class 11th and 12th. These notes will also help you in your IIT JEE & NEET preparations. We hope these class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes help you remember the key points and revise with confidence. For the other chapters, get the complete physics notes for Class 12, and for free video lectures and study material, download the eSaral app.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes cover?
Class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes cover magnetic flux, Faraday’s laws, Lenz’s law, motional EMF, induced charge, inductance, eddy currents and energy stored in an inductor. eSaral’s notes give the formulas and worked examples for each topic.
How do you apply Lenz’s law to find the direction of induced current?
In class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes, direction is always found after the magnitude. Check whether the flux is increasing or decreasing. The induced current creates a field that opposes the increase, or supports the original flux when it decreases. The right-hand thumb rule then gives the current direction.
What is the difference between Faraday’s first and second law of electromagnetic induction?
The first law says an EMF is induced whenever the flux linked with a circuit changes. The second law gives its size: $\varepsilon = -N\dfrac{d\Phi}{dt}$. The second law is the one used in numerical problems.
What is the difference between self-inductance and mutual inductance?
Self-inductance is the property of a single coil opposing change in its own current, with $\varepsilon = -L\dfrac{dI}{dt}$. Mutual inductance links two coils, with $\varepsilon_2 = -M\dfrac{dI_1}{dt}$. Both are measured in henry.
How do you calculate the charge induced in a loop?
Use $q = \dfrac{N\,|\Delta\Phi|}{R}$. The charge depends on the total change in flux and the resistance, and not on the time taken.
Is electromagnetic induction important for JEE Main and NEET?
Yes. Faraday’s law, Lenz’s law, motional EMF and inductance are core topics, and the chapter links to alternating current. Check recent previous year papers for the current question pattern. eSaral’s class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes cover these topics.
Where can I revise class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes quickly?
Use the formula sections and handwritten pages on this eSaral page, then practise the NCERT exercises. The eSaral app also offers video lectures and study material for Class 12 Physics.

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eSaral Academic and Editorial Team
Team eSaral is the collective author profile for educational content created by eSaral’s teachers and academic contributors. The team draws on expertise from IIT graduates, doctors, experienced educators and subject specialists to develop resources for JEE, NEET and school students. Our articles aim to explain concepts clearly and help students study with confidence.
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